Artificial Sweeteners a Hidden Danger

My interest in educating you about artificial sweeteners is a subject of a recent recovery success story in my practice and..... a painful story with a sad ending from my younger days.

My closest and dearest friend was an artificial sweetener junkie. Back then it was saccharin which was a trade name for a chemical, benzoic sulfimide. (if you follow this link you'll see who supports it's continued use...these same organization encourage the use of other non-foods as healthy for humans). Sodium saccharin is an artificial sweetener with effectively no food energy. It is 300–400 times as sweet as sucrose with bitter or metallic aftertaste, especially at high concentrations. Saccharin was used to sweeten products such as drinks, candies, cookies, and medicines. One of the principle reason soft drinks use artificial sweeteners...is that they have a low volume. Meaning they can add more water and make more money, sugar takes up too much room!

---

Now that was back in the early 70's...a clue to my age and experience. I started studying Chinese Medicine in my 20's as a hobby and had always been a closeted science geek. I knew that saccharin was not a good idea. There had been a number studies demonstrating that it clearly caused bladder cancer in animals who were feed drinks containing this potent artificial sweetener.

​Over the years I encouraged my friend to STOP using that S#%T. She would wave her hand and tell me in her kindest words that I was a somewhat neurotic health nut!

Because of my interest in natural lifestyle and healthier diet! I was a weirdo to most of my friends, bless them!!

She continued to use saccharine until it was discontinued. Switching to  Equal, Sweet & Low,  Not that the new alternatives were any better. She found herself gaining more and more weight...which was a result of the way the body processes artificial sweeteners. By the time we were in our late 30's I received sad news from her that she had been diagnosed with cancer. It had gone undiagnosed for some time so she was at stage 3. The cancer had started in her BLADDER.....remember those rats! It spread and she died within a year. Her passing shook all of us, friends and family.

It pains me when I think of how many people, wave their hands and dismiss what is only common sense.
ANYTHING TOO FAR FROM NATURE TO WORK WITH THE BODY'S NATURAL PROCESSING MECHANISMS AND WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE LIVER KIDNEYS AND GUT FUNCTIONS. IT'S A RULE!!

---

Now, to the present. A client recently came to see me because in spite of the fact that she is only in her early 30's she had presented with elevated liver enzymes and evidence of a fatty liver. She came to me as recommended by a close friend who thought I might be able to help her. Remember, I said I am a science geek, so the first thing I do is a little detective work. I immediately researched issues relating to fatty liver in individuals who do not fit the usual profile. She didn't drink other than occasionally, her diet was fairly healthy and she was not a big junk food eater and fairly active...the most common factor in fatty liver disease in alcohol and poor diet.

Upon reviewing her intake info I discovered that she had been eating a protein drink product "Gold Standard Whey" chocolate flavor for at least the past 3, maybe up to 5 years. This product contains acesulfame whose sweetening effect is even higher than saccharine. Acesulfame is currently being studied as it is implicated that is may be causing liver damage! Additionally she was taking inorganic vitamin supplements, an iron supplement and had occasional IV nutrient infusions to boost her energy and detox her body. All of which also may cause liver damage. IV nutrition has been widely used in hospitals, but recent studies indicate long term use of IV infusions are leading to liver damage. IV infusions are a popular fad these days...we'll be reporting more on this in future blogs.

I set her up with a liver restoring protocols, she began a series of colonics to push the detox, and is also having regular Chi Nei Tsang sessions to help improve her biological functions, increasing serotonin and reducing adrenaline...the true secret to real health! After only 2 months she present her last liver enzyme test to me and her test ratios where nearly normal. Her doctor was AMAZED, stating that she "had rarely ever seen anyone reverse in this way and certainly not this quickly". My client has been diligent and dedicated as her serious health risk threatened everything that means the most to her...her family!
​​

A little note about liver enzymes....

• Elevated liver enzymes often indicate inflammation or damage to cells in the liver. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream, elevating liver enzymes on blood tests.
• The normal range for ALT is 10-40 units per liter (U/L) of blood for men and 7-35 U/L for women
• Higher ALT is an indication of liver distress or disease.

Many people, whose energy is low, digestion is problematic, are constipated, have frequent headaches and body pains may have elevated ALT liver enzymes...distressed liver. In true Naturopathic, Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine it is understood that liver health is crucial.

The liver is a powerful organ, able to be restored to healthy function and is highly resilient when you provide it what it needs!

• A healthy diet rich in greens, other vegetables, especially cruciferous types such as cabbages, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale.
• Detoxifying herbal support for the liver.
• Relieving constipation through colon hydrotherapy
• Lymphatic massage and/or Visceral manipulation, Chi Nei Tsang
• Regular light exercise
• Discontinue use of alcohol, soda's and junk foods, including fried foods.

​The Bridge to Health Winter Detox focuses on liver health. Look for our upcoming Liver Restoration Protocol which will guide you through all facets of improving liver function. All the BTH Protocols give you access to questions and answer via our members only Protocol Forum...is like having a Certified Wellness Consultant in your pocket...ie, your phone!

---

The label above doesn't say artificial sweetener. Many of the foods you may be eating daily could contain artificial sweeteners. Unless you know that acesulfame is what it is, you wouldn't recognize it. 

They are added to foods such as...

• beverages, including soda, fruit juices, non-carbonated drinks, and alcohol
• tabletop sweeteners
• dairy products, yogurts, ice cream
• desserts and baked goods
• jam, jelly, and marmalade
• toothpastes and mouthwash
• chewing gum
• yogurt and other milk products
• breakfast cereals
• condiments, salad dressings, sauces and marinades

READ LABELS!!

Here's a few more facts about artificial sweeteners....

• They are addictive...most of them contain in addition to acesulfame, dextrose and maltodextrin...light form a speed that is habit forming. They screw with your metabolism. 
• Researchers are currently studying links between regular consumption of artificial sweeteners and obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (a cluster of health issues that present as a pattern, high blood pressure and diabetes)
• They can cause neurological disruptions and decline in brain function. The current oldest generation in the US, were the original consumers of saccharine!
• And...saccharine is actually still in use. It is an additive to the newer artificial sweeteners! 
• Raw honey, powdered stevia, palm sugar, coconut sugar, molasses, sorghum are all excellent sweetners that actually have nutritive value. The truth is a little sugar is better than anything artificial! 

The following links support evidence that artificial sweeteners.
* Acesulfame potassium affects the gut microbiome and body weight gain.
*Aspartame intake causes changes in the trans-sulphuration pathway, glutathione depletion &  liver damage

LEARN MORE ABOUT STAYING HEALTHY SUBSCRIBE TO THE BTH WELLNESS & RECIPE BLOG